What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The espresso machine next to my bed. I’m definitely a night owl vs an early bird. Once suitably caffeinated, it’s a quick walk with the dog along the canal or up a hill.

What’s the best thing about working in  healthcare comms?
For me, there are two things. One, as a science lover, it’s the opportunity to work on some of the most important medical advancements in the world. And two, the impact we can create in the work we do – for patients, for HCPs and for our clients.

What’s the worst thing about working in healthcare comms?
Historically, it’s been the ability to truly measure the impact of the work we’ve created. But fortunately, those days are fast becoming a thing of the past.

What’s your favourite bar or eatery?
Yakumama. Lucky enough to have the most incredible restaurant on my doorstep. And they do a decent Pisco Sour to boot.

Which book/film would you recommend above all others and why?
That’s a big question. Nine Stories by JD Salinger. The ability to so subtly cut apart and tease the ‘contemporary world’ in such brief and often sarcastic stories, I think is quite the talent.

Which buzzwords/office-jargon get on your nerves?
Most of them. If I had to choose one, it would be ‘net-net’.

Which person, living or dead, do you admire the most and why?
Marie Curie. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, the only woman to win in two fields and the only person to win in multiple sciences. Not bad.

Who is your healthcare comms hero/heroine?
I don’t need to look far – it’s Matt Eagles for me, our Head of Patient Voice. His energy and passion to do better for patients and bring a more authentic voice to healthcare comms is tireless and phenomenal. Hero.

What has been your career highlight to date?
First time I walked in the building I was a graduate, so taking the role of CEO is beyond expectation. I’m phenomenally grateful for all of the talented and incredible people I have been able to work alongside on the journey.

What’s your golden rule/piece of advice for someone starting a career in healthcare comms?
Your opinion is your most valuable asset. So question everything to make it a good one.

Claire Knapp is Chief Executive Officer at Havas Lynx Group